Tenex For Tics

Max is now taking a blood pressure medication called Tenex. Because it’s done such an amazing job of reducing both his tics and impulsivity, it’s actually succeeded in its originally intended purpose of lowering blood pressure.

Mine.

Since starting him on the new meds I’ve been successful at things that were once nearly impossible: getting Max to turn off his GameCube, eat something besides waffles for breakfast, and sit down to do homework for five minutes.

The highlight was the day I took him to Chuck E. Cheese and Toys R Us. I knew it was a risky move as both destinations are places where conflict is inevitable, whether it’s Max asking for yet more tokens, complaining that he doesn’t have enough tickets for a good prize, or demanding half the toy store’s inventory. But he was so surprisingly cooperative, polite and compliant that as we sat eating our lunch I couldn’t help but think: “This is what it’s like to have a normal child.” And then I corrected myself: “A neurotypical child.”

The Tenex has also eliminated the tics that were causing Max such distress. He seems to have acquired a new one in their absence – a head shaking thing – but it’s not nearly as severe or frequent its predecessors.

He still has his moments, of course. But it’s truly as if he’s a different child. We’re seeing a much bigger improvement than we did when he was taking stimulant medication.

His psychiatrist, Dr. K., indicated that Max may need additional medication – another round of stimulants to help him focus and an antidepressant to help with his anxiety and compulsive behaviors. The thought of him requiring three medications is overwhelming and frightening. I have no idea on how I’ll sell Dave on the idea considering how uncomfortable he is with Max on anything.

I’ll worry about it when the time comes. In the meantime, I’m just grateful for how much more controlled Max is these days. There are fewer outbursts and he’s much more compliant. the atmosphere in our house is much more relaxed.

That one small blood pressure pill has brought a calm to our whole family.